Catholics in secular Cuba hail Francis as ‘bridge’

HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) -- Catholics and others in secular Cuba have been paying tribute to Pope Francis, praising in particular his efforts to reconcile the communist island with its powerful neighbour, the United States. The country, which was officially atheist for three decades, declared three days of mourning for the pontiff, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attended a special mass at Havana's cathedral Thursday. Ex-president Raul Castro -- brother of revolutionary leader Fidel, who had initi...